Custody law change sought

Hyderabad: Father’s Day was jointly organised in Hyderabad at the Jawahar Bal Bhavan in Public Gardens on Sunday by CRISP — Children’s Rights Initiative For Shared Parenting, and Save Indian Family Group (SIF-APTS).

The day was celebrated by around 400 orphans, and childless fathers i.e., divorced men. On the occasion, the children put up cultural activities.

Speaking at the event, Kumar Jahgirdar, founder of CRISP, said, “Indian custody laws must change along with the changing times. The Law Commission in May recommended joint custody of minors to both the parents. We wish to see it becoming a law very soon.”

Nearly five lakh children are affected by custody battles and their future is jeopardised he added.

The function was presided over by Justice Challa Kodanda Ram, judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court and Justice Chandra Kumar, former judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Justice Chandra Kumar spoke about recommendations of the Law Commission about shared parenting.

He said, “Couples must bury their past differences and live together for the future of their children.”

Addressing the gathering in the city, Justice Challa Kodanda Ram said that children were the future of the nation and there should be a balanced approach by both parents in their upbringing.

“To avoid divorce, counseling must be strong. Unfortunately it was neither strong nor professional,” he added.